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Hockey's Back: Cats To Kickoff Season With A Bang

by
Staff Writer
/ Florida Panthers

Thrashers and Lightning Headed to South Florida

SUNRISE, FL - Less than 24 hours until the Florida Panthers drop the puck for their season opener against the Atlanta Thrashers and there are less than 500 tickets available. There are also less than 1,500 tickets remaining for Friday's rivalry game against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:30 p.m. Opening Week will be filled with numerous fan-friendly events and festivities.

The Cats made their final move of the preseason by assigning LW Gregory Campbell to the Rochester Americans (AHL). The move trimmed Florida's roster to the NHL-mandated 23 player maximum. Please see the attachment below for the Panthers 2005-06 Opening Night roster.

Throughout the 2005-06 season there will be a limited number of $8 game-day-only tickets available at the BankAtlantic Center box office.

Doors will open an hour before the official game start time. For those not attending the games in person, both of this week's contests will be broadcasted live on FSN Florida television and on Sports Radio 560 WQAM.

Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich will host a special pregame show from 4:00-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday which will be broadcast live from Pantherland inside the BankAtlantic Center on Sports Radio 560 WQAM.

Famous Anthem Singer: On Opening Night, the National Anthem presented by the US Army will be sung by tenor Daniel Rodriguez, a former New York City police officer. Known as the "singing policeman" Rodriguez gained notoriety after the 9/11 terrorist attacks with his stirring rendition of "God Bless America."

Premium Giveaways: The premium giveaway items for Opening Night are a Panthers T-shirt courtesy of BankAtlantic and a miniature Stanley Cup courtesy of the National Hockey League. A 2005-2006 schedule magnet courtesy of Papa John's will be given out on Friday night.

New Free Game Programs: Upon entering every fan will receive a complimentary copy of the GROWL game program presented by The Flyer.

Come Early: For Opening Week games, fans are encouraged to reach their seats by 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday and 7:15 p.m. on Friday to view a revamped game presentation on the center scoreboard. The game presentation will highlight opportunities for season seat holders, sponsors, suite holders and WCI Communities Private Club members to take part in activities such as the ceremonial slapshot, ceremonial puck drop and pregame bench warmers.

Stanley on TV: Stanley C. Panther will be appearing on "Today in South Florida" on NBC6 on Wednesday, October 5th. The show will air from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Any questions or concerns can be addressed at the BankAtlantic Convenience Centers (formerly known as Guest Services) on the Plaza Level in front of Section 133 and on the Upper Level in front of Section 403.

BankAtlantic ATMs are located on the Plaza Level in front of Sections 103 and 132 and on the Upper Level in front of Section 404.

In the event of inclement weather, small collapsible tote umbrellas will be permitted into the building. Golf umbrellas will not be permitted.